Thursday, 23 December 2010

As I was walking around the living room this morning, I noticed a few angels that I love and decided to share with you....

Several years ago, I painted this little wooden angel. I had hoped to do a few of them for friends, but as seems to be my norm, I did just one other for my friend, Cheryl, and that was it. I still have the blank wooden ones, so maybe one day I will pick them up again...

(see the "Vintage by Crystal" Snow Bunny? cute!)

Hiding in the bottom of the earlier photo is this little Angel Jewel Box that I designed for Dept 56 years ago. There were two (the one below, too) and I forgot how pretty they are. They are just about inches tall and open up to reveal a secret place....

This little lovely was found at Hidden Treasures, a place here in Santa Fe that has some very delicious treasures - one's trash is another's treasure - no kidding! Could you have passed her up?

Last, but certainly not least, is one of the GLORIOUS angels from Danielle. Unfortunately, she had a small accident on her way across the pond (broken foot) which I mended with some cardboard and gold paint. Now, when she isn't flying around spreading joy, she can dance around in her new dancing slippers. I also sprinkled a little glitter on her wings to help her to feel better.....

Happy Holidays dear Pantry Violets!

I love you all and wish you the Happiest Christmas and All the Best in the New Year!

Sunday, 19 December 2010

Apologies for the delay in blogging on my trip to see Kate and Jamie in Boston!I had the best time! Kate met me at the airport and took me to dinner with her family and then on to Jamie's where I stayed. The next day was very special - organised to coincide with my stay - I was guest of honour at Jamie's book signing in Weston!

Dragon Books in Weston was the venue - a lovely shop :

As we all know a famous author, our very own Jamie, I thought i'd share her book signing which was organised for the Saturday I was in Boston!

Here she is with friends, family and fans!

and there on the far left is our Kate! Three pantry violets in the one spot! The signing went really well and drew a good crowd as you can see:

and here is Jamie's lovely book - her first foray into mixed media in her illustration! Isnt it fabulous !

I'm sure you all remember Jamies printed figures - she worked on them at LSA and finished hem on her return home. The finished figures can be seen on Jamie's blog: jamieharperstudioblog - sorry i dont know how to add a link!Thanks to Jamie and Kate my first day in Boston was fantastic and I have a signed book for my great niece Iris (only 1) but she needs to get a move on and learn to read before she can fully enjoy it - im sure her mummy will read it to her in the meantime!xxdi

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas - and will see you later in the New Year!!! Yahoo. I adore seeing your inspirational pictures and posts, even though I've been relatively quiet myself - have been busy though - check out www.jellis.mosaicglobe.com if you're interested in one little project I've completed. Very Best wishes - Jodie

Tuesday, 7 December 2010

On December 11 (that is this Saturday!) Carol has a birthday. Hope that it is a wonderful one for you, Carol. We wish we were there to help blow out "all those candles" (tee hee)

And, as luck would have it, our other two birthday girls were found in the same photo right next to one another !!! Our dear Julie Australia (xo) will celebrate on the 18th and Miss Kate gets a party right after Christmas on the 29th. That explains a lot about your jolly nature, my friend!

About Us

"Pantry Violets" are women who met by chance in the Dordogne in France. We came from many different places and walks of life with as many different experiences - each of us knowing that for some reason we needed to be there. Through the course of 6 days, we swam in a salt water pool, ate magnificent food prepared by our hosts, strolled the beautiful grounds, stitched as it drizzled and danced in the sun, rummaged through brocantes, shared stories and ideas, secrets and dreams. We found friendship, inspiration, laughter, tears, simplicity, peace and a strong common bond. We embraced the creative spirit we found in one another and allowed our own to soar. It came to be much more than a workshop. We found new "life long" friends and true, kindred spirits.

We have created this blog to challenge and inspire one another and to continue to look at life and creativity in a whole new way, from a different perspective. We will continue to share our thoughts and feelings and bring our affection for each other to this venue.

Our enduring thanks to Julie Arkell for bringing us together for the little "slice of heaven" we experienced and for her enthusiasm in our creations. We are beyond grateful for her generosity and her willingness to share her knowledge, imagination and graceful spirit.

We also thank Katie, Mike, Carol and Dave for absolutely everything they did for us and for the beauty they live with each day that they so easily shared with us.